The results of the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State will be transmitted electronically, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has promised.
The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Gabriel Longpet gave the indication in Abuja on Tuesday at a workshop/roundtable organised by the International Press Center (IPC) for journalists.
The workshop is being attended by 26 journalists drawn from electronic, print, and online newspaper platforms from the state.
According to the REC, the results of the election will be transmitted electronically from 3,508 polling units in 239 wards across the state.
He said the decision was to prevent undesirable elements from tampering with the manual results between the polling units and collation centers.
According to the REC, the commission will use lessons and experiences gained during the last general elections to improve on its preparations and conduct a free, fair, and credible governorship election.
Longpet also promised to use the coming governorship election to correct the negative impression Nigerians have about elections in Kogi State.
He said the commission had been engaging in meetings and discussions with security agencies, political parties and their candidates, media, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders and other stakeholders as part of efforts to deliver a credible election.
He also indicated that the commission will soon start organising training and re-training programs for ad hoc staff that will be on duty on election day.
The REC admonished political parties and candidates contesting the election to complement INEC efforts by embarking on education and enlightenment programazs for their members and followers.
He said that security agencies have also promised to deploy enough men for the election.
Longpet said election materials and INEC officials will be provided maximum security during the election.
When asked about the violence that rocked the conduct of February 25 and March 18 general elections in some parts of the state, the Commissioner said 215 persons arrested in connection with the offence are currently being investigated by police.
He assured that the INEC will conduct a free, fair, transparent, and acceptable election come November 11.
Longpet also promised that the INEC would conduct an all-inclusive election, promising that people living with disabilities and elderly persons will all have the opportunity to exercise their franchise